What
to Know Before Purchasing Home Solar Electricity

Getting
home solar electricity is more affordable today than it was 10 years
ago. In fact, the federal government and many state governments are
currently offering tax rebates to persons that choose to convert to
residential solar power. If installing a photovoltaic system to supply
your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities,
there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an
accredited green energy supplier. Green energy suppliers offer only
utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar electricity,
hydroelectricity and wind generated electricity. However, if you made
the decision to switch
to solar electricity for your home it is
important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

Create Your
Own Solar Power Plant

The
first thing you have to determine is how much power you will need from
your home solar electricity system. Different arrays and solar panel
set-ups offer different wattage outputs. Take the time to determine
your average daily electricity usage. You want to achieve a number that
includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy
used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air
conditioners).

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home
solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product. A
product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far
more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year
warranty. Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using residential
solar power, to learn more about the differences in
systems. Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers
and researching manufacturers as well.

Why You
Need Solar Alternative Energy

A
final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would
like to use to supply your residential solar power. There are generally
three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar
electricity. The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar
panels are tied into your current power meter. You are using both
electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by
electricity from your electric company. The second available solar
panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with
battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from
you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess
is sent back to the electric company through your meter. The final
system is a stand-alone system. Very similar to the grid-tied system
with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or
maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.

Once
you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are
probably ready to start shopping. Remember that converting to home
solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the
rewards over time. And don’t forget the pride you will have
with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home
solar electricity.